CADDAC launches ADHD Awareness Week with Dr. Russell Barkley
TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2011 /CNW/ - Let's face the facts ̶ Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most under recognized, yet
treatable psychiatric disorder in Canada. It is the most prevalent
mental health disorder in children and it affects at least one million
Canadians.
In a week that marks the launch of ADHD Awareness Week (October 16-22),
the Centre for ADHD Awareness in Canada (CADDAC) is working hard to
promote understanding, dispel myths and stimulate advocacy and support
for families dealing with ADHD.
To kick-off the week-long event, CADDAC is hosting an evening with Dr.
Russell Barkley, an internationally recognized authority and researcher
on ADHD in children and adults.
Dr. Barkley will present on the importance of understanding difficulties
in managing emotions as a core symptom of ADHD on Sunday, October 16,
2011 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton
Centre. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple and can be
purchased on-line through the CADDAC web site or at the door.
"There are so many myths and misunderstandings about ADHD and not nearly
enough support, especially in our education system," says Heidi
Bernhardt, national director of CADDAC and a mother of three ADHD
children. "Through awareness and an increased understanding of the
issues and challenges of addressing ADHD, we hope to change perceptions
and to bring positive change for those families who are very desperate
for help."
ADHD is a recognized neurobiological disorder, an illness of the nervous
system and is the most common mental health disorder diagnosed in
children. It is estimated that 5 to 12 per cent of Canadian children
are living with ADHD and 80 per cent maintain their diagnosis into
adolescence. In Ontario, there is an average of two students with ADHD
in every classroom.
"We have all heard the comments that ADHD isn't 'real', or is the result
of 'bad parenting' and we think it is time to get the facts straight
and dispel the many myths about ADHD and how it affects our lives,"
said Bernhardt.
CADDAC is launching an ADHD Awareness Information Package on its website
(www.caddac.ca). The awareness materials includes materials about ADHD,
position papers and Facts versus Myths. CADDAC is also hosting a
contest with prizes to promote ADHD awareness.
"We are calling on people to submit video, pictures, or tell us a story
about how ADHD has impacted your life," said Bernhardt. "There is no
message more powerful than the personal voice. We are looking for
success stories, your experience with diagnosis and/or treatment,
strategies you've learned to manage your ADHD, the stigma surrounding
ADHD you may have encountered, or anything else that relates to your
ADHD experience."
Winners will be posted on our website and social media, receive a free
CADDAC one year membership, free conference registration to the Annual
ADHD Conference in December, and will receive a $100 gift certificate.
Although names are required to enter, entrants can request that their
names remain anonymous.
Winners will be split into three categories: parent, adult (18+), or
child/adolescent. Parents and adult winners will receive a $100 gift
certificate to Amazon.com and the child/adolescent winner will receive
a $100 gift certificate to Toys R Us. The parent of the
child/adolescent winner will also receive the free membership and
conference registration.
CADDAC is a not-for-profit organization that provides leadership in
education and advocacy for ADHD organizations and individuals with ADHD
across Canada. CADDAC provides a wide-range of information for
children, parents, doctors and educators on their website www.caddac.ca.
CADDAC is holding its 3rd Annual ADHD Conference on December 2-4, 2011.
December 2nd focuses on Parents and Medical Professionals, December 3rd
focuses on Educators and Medical Professionals and December 4th focuses
on Adult ADHD.
For more information about ADHD awareness materials, the contest or the
conference, please visit www.caddac.ca.
